Drogheda United assistant manager Kevin Doherty was full of praise for his injury ravaged side as they defeated Athlone Town 4-2 at United Park. The Drogs made it five wins on the bounce in the league to keep the pressure on leaders Shelbourne with
Drogheda United assistant manager Kevin Doherty was full of praise for his injury ravaged side as they defeated Athlone Town 4-2 at United Park. The Drogs made it five wins on the bounce in the league to keep the pressure on leaders Shelbourne with Doherty quick to note the number of players unavailable to his side. “It wasn’t our best performance but we still scored four goals,” Doherty explained post-match. “We conceded two poor goals but we take the positives from the game given the injuries we have. “We only had 14 players available and one of them was Mark Hughes who we had to replace at half-time. I would’ve been pleased to get a 1-0 win tonight as the three points were all that mattered.” Both Luke Heeney and James Clarke were deployed in advanced positions to great effect with Doherty reserving special recognition for the two youngsters. “I think that’s the first goal of the season for both of them and they played really well. To be fair to them both, they’re playing out of position but they just get on with it to help the team. “They both have big futures in the game.” Drogheda were cruising 3-0 at the break but a quick-fire double from the visitors left the game in the balance before Clarke’s late finish. “I think we were guilty of a little complacency. Athlone had created chances in the first-half and then we gifted them the first with a poor back pass. “It’s a hell of a strike from Kaleem Simon for the second but we rode out the storm and deserved the win.” Up next for the Drogs is a top of the table clash against Shelbourne at Tolka Park with Doherty relishing the prospect of facing his former side. “I think we’re probably the two form sides in the First Division right now. There was nothing between us when we played here earlier in the season. “Both sides will be desperate to go into the break on a high and hopefully we’ll have a couple of players back for it."
